| Confederate States of America |
| Quartermaster General's Office |
| Richmond 28th Dec 1864 |
| |
| Hon J. A. Seddon |
| Secy of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| I have had the honor to represent to you
on several occasions the necessity imposed on the government to take
possession of the "Piedmont Rail Road" running from Danville to
Greensboro, owing to the inadequate transportation of army supplies
over it. The difficulty arises, in part at best, from the difference
in gauge on that Road and the {Richmond
&} Danville Road, and the
failure of the former in consequence to receive any aid from the
latter. I most respectfully ask that you will at once exercise the
authority given to the Secretary of War by an "Act to
facilitate Government transportation" approved May 1st 1863;
and that Major S. R. Chisman be authorized to take possession of
said Piedmont Rail Rd in the name of the Secretary of War, and to
take such steps as are pointed out in said Act. |
| Very respectfully |
| Yr Obt Servt |
| A R Lawton |
| Qr. Mr Genl |
| |
| {on back of document} |
| To Wpt Secy |
| The order must under the perceptions of
this can be given -- ??? you plan ??? or propose or ??? in
conformity with the Law. {uncertain about most
words} |
| JASeddon |
| Secy |
| 30 Decr 64 |
|